"Don't apologize. I plan on doing that again soon, and for the rest of my life."
"Same. Are you okay if I get us something to clean up with and get you something for your back?"
"Yes."
"I'll be back." He was back quickly and cleaned her up before helping her back into her clothes. He climbed in and spooned her. "You belong with me forever. I'll never let you go or leave you again." He kissed behind her ear.
The sleet continued to ping before finally switching over to all snow, and Stephanie watched it fall outside under the porch light. "I love snow, and I love you even more than snow. That's a lot!"
"I know, Annie," he chuckled. "I love you too," he said as he trailed his fingers up and down her back as she began to drift off.
"Let's elope," she said drowsily.
"Let's see what you say in the morning."
"Okay, good night, Jacob."
"Goodnight, Annie." He snuggled closer and pulled her back against his chest.
"Thank you for loving me."
"Thank you for not giving up on me."
"I never will."
They were the last words she uttered before she fell asleep in his arms, where she belonged.
Where she had always belonged.
The End
Epilogue
March
Sam stood and rubbed her back. This pregnancy was killing her. Between that and Drew still acting like she and Dylan were enemy number one, she was stressed!
She bent over at the waist and grabbed her lower back as the door swung open and the old-fashioned bell hit against the glass. It reminded her of the first time she met Dylan, so that's what she had wanted. They compromised. He got a beep that sounded throughout the building, and she got her bell on the front door.
Jeni Adams stood there, looking pale. She had on her nurse's scrubs and her slightly trembling hands held a large manilla envelope.
Sam stood up straight but kept her hand on her back. "Jeni?"
"Hi, uh. Sam. Hi."
"What's going on?" Sam asked and moved closer to her.
"This was on the hood of my car today when I got off work."
She handed Sam the envelope, and Sam pulled out several pictures of Jeni in various states of undress. Sam's stomach sank. They looked like someone had taken them through her bedroom window.
"Are these the first ones you have received?"
Jeni stared at the ground. "No." She took a deep breath. "They’re the first pictures of me like that in my home. Most of the time, they are of me getting in my car after work."
"Am I the first person you've told?"
"Yes."
Sam bit back telling her she should have gone to the police.
Jeni must have sensed her train of thought. "I don't trust the police, and my brother would overreact if he knew. Can you find out who it is?"
"I'm not sure it would be an overreaction. You need protection, Jeni. He's taken nude pictures of you. Sure, it could be a female, but most likely not. I need the entire story of when this started, and you need a bodyguard."
"Why?"
"Because if he's taken naked pictures, he probably wants to do something else to you. I can assign someone, and I have just the guy."
The bell dinged again as Tony Gates strolled in.
"Your timing is perfect. Tony, meet Jeni. Your new assignment." Sam gestured between the two of them.
"Oh, hell no!" Jeni spat. "He's a cop."
Tony crossed his arms and narrowed his eyes at her.
"Not anymore," Sam answered. "He's your bodyguard."
Book 6 of The Healing Series
Coming Spring 2022!
Notes from Kelly
To every reader, thank you so much for picking up this book and giving it a chance! I hope you enjoyed Jake and Stephanie's journey to their HEA as much as I did. A little insight—I knew Stephanie was the next heroine around the time she took over a chapter, and I couldn't get to leave Courtney's apartment in "Beautiful Scars."
Please remember to leave a review anywhere you can. It helps us out tremendously.
Colleen! You are the bee's knees! You have helped me so much! I don't think I can put into words how much! I look forward to more adventures with you in the future. Thanks for your support! Check out her website here! https://colleenvoicework.com/
To my street team, Beta, and ARC readers: Thank you for sharing my teasers and trying to get the word out about me. Most of all, thank you for your kind words. They lift me when I begin to doubt myself.
Beth with VBEdits: You are amazing! You have no idea how awesome it feels to know I am not losing my writer's voice with you. Check out her services here! https://www.vbproofreads.com/
Taylor Delong: Thank you for your continuing friendship and support and for dropping the word "Roshambo" in my lap. I hope you like the way I used it. Also, #neverforget #bigscarygoals. Check out her HEA's here! https://www.amazon.com/Taylor-Delong/e/B06WLQ8H2Q/ref=nav_signin?
To my husband: Where would I be without your love and support? Thank you for loving our daughter and me so very much.
To my Lord and Savior,
Who shall never forsake me.
Psalm 37:4
Proverbs 16:9
About The Author
An avid lover of books. Kelly lives in Tennessee with her husband and their daughter. She loves to visit historical places like Williamsburg, VA, or The Great Smoky Mountains. She is also an avid sports fan. #GoBraves.
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Also By Kelly
The Healing Series
Shattered (Book One)
mybook.to/Shattered_Healing1
Mended Hearts (Book Two)
mybook.to/Mended_Hearts
Complete Me (Book Three)
mybook.to/Complete_Me
Beautiful Scars (Book Four )
mybook.to/Beautiful_Scars
Broken Ties (Book Five)
mybook.to/Broken_Ties
More of The Healing Series coming soon!
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Broken Ties (The Healing Series Book 5) Page 20
